Table of Contents
Choi Doo-ho latest news: South Korean UFC featherweight Choi Doo-ho suffered a first-round knockout defeat against former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19, 2026. The fight was one of the featured bouts on the UFC 331 main card and attracted attention from MMA fans internationally, including viewers in the UK.
Choi Doo-ho vs Patricio Pitbull: Latest Fight Result
- Patricio Pitbull defeated Choi Doo-ho by first-round KO.
- The stoppage came at 3:28 of Round 1.
- Pitbull dropped Choi with a powerful right hand before the referee stopped the contest.
- Choi entered the fight riding a three-fight winning streak.
- The defeat ended Choi’s recent run of victories and prevented him from immediately returning to the UFC featherweight rankings.
The matchup took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles as part of UFC 331. Choi, widely known as the “Korean Superboy,” was looking to continue his comeback after several impressive performances inside the UFC Octagon. Pitbull, meanwhile, entered the contest with extensive championship experience from his time in Bellator.
Why Choi Doo-ho’s UFC 331 Fight Was Important
The bout carried additional importance for Choi because he was attempting to return to the UFC featherweight rankings. He had previously reached as high as No. 11 in the division and was seeking a ranking position again after several years outside the rankings.
Before UFC 331, Choi had built momentum with three consecutive stoppage victories. He defeated Bill Algeo in July 2024, Nate Landwehr in December 2024, and Daniel Santos in May 2026. UFC records list all three victories as stoppages.
His victory over Santos was particularly notable. Choi stopped Santos with strikes at 4:29 of the second round and received Fight of the Night recognition from UFC officials.
Choi Doo-ho’s UFC Record
According to the UFC’s official fighter profile, Choi currently has a professional record of 17 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw. Fourteen of his victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, while one has come by submission.
Choi made his UFC debut in 2014 and quickly became known for his aggressive striking and entertaining fights. His memorable battle with Cub Swanson at UFC 206 later became part of the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing.
The latest defeat against Pitbull adds another chapter to Choi’s long UFC career. Despite the loss, his recent run before UFC 331 demonstrated his ability to remain competitive at featherweight after returning from a lengthy period away from competition.
UK Fans Follow Choi Doo-ho UFC News
The Choi Doo-ho fight was also part of the UFC 331 broadcast available to fans in the United Kingdom. UK coverage listed UFC 331 on TNT Sports, with the main card beginning during the early hours of Sunday morning, September 20, UK time.
For British MMA followers searching for Choi Doo-ho UK latest news, the UFC 331 result is the key development. The Korean fighter’s popularity has grown internationally because of his aggressive fighting style, previous UFC performances and long association with exciting featherweight contests.
What Comes Next for Choi Doo-ho?
Choi’s next UFC appearance has not been confirmed in the latest reports. After suffering a first-round knockout, the fighter and UFC will have to determine his next opponent and timetable.
Before the fight, Choi said he had prepared for the possibility of a decision but expected his bout with Pitbull to produce a finish. He also spoke about improvements in his technique, conditioning, stamina and overall MMA understanding compared with earlier stages of his career.
The result means his planned return to the UFC rankings has been delayed. However, Choi remains an experienced UFC featherweight with a long professional record and a history of knockout victories.
